Bows and Blades by Erulisse (one L)

[engarian.livejournal.com]

B2MeM Challenge: 2013 J Judgment
Format: Triple Drabble
Genre: Narrative Drama
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Characters: Glorfindel, Erestor, Elrond
Pairings: None (yet)
Creators' Notes (optional): None
Summary: Sent to the refugee camp of Imladris by Ereinion, Glorfindel arrives and starts to settle in.




Bows and Blades

Elrond led the small group to the practice range. Some elves practiced with short bows, others drilled with practice blades. Pained grunts marked hits from the gloved swords. The blades might be dulled, but they would leave bruises, even break bones if wielded with enough force.

"These short bows are new to me," Glorfindel said to Elrond as they walked to the line of archers awaiting the call to retrieve their arrows.

"The Woodland Elves use this style of bow. They are efficient for travel and use within the trees of the great forests."

"Hmmm." The blond elf walked to one of the archers. "May I look at your bow?" Elrond nodded permission as the elf passed his bow to the warrior.

"It strings in the same fashion?" asked Glorfindel as he quickly stripped the string from the recurved bow, then restrung it. "Yes, I see that it does. May I?" He pointed to the quiver of remaining arrows.

"Of course, Lord."

Glorfindel pulled five arrows, pursed his lips, and let lose a piercing whistle. All activity ceased. He placed one shaft in his mouth, fitting the others between each finger of his less dominant hand. Swish, swish, swish, swish … swish. Within a breath all five had been loosed and each had pierced the butt of the previous one, the final shaft pushing the group completely through the target.

"Good bow." He bowed slightly and returned it. "I'll replace your arrows, of course."

As he walked toward the open ground where swordplay was practiced, all eyes focused on him. "So, Commander, are you ready to try your luck at swords with this homeless horse trainer?"

He turned to continue, but only Elrond and Erestor stood behind him.

"Where?"

"I judge you the winner of the contest," Elrond said, smiling.

Comments

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

Quite a demonstration. He's so courteous and unassuming in his skill. I don't blame the Commander for making himself scarce.

[engarian.livejournal.com]

It may have been a wise move for the Commander, but he may have learned a valuable lesson. I suspect he'll get that opportunity at some time.

- Erulisse (one L)

[shirebound]

Swish, swish, swish, swish … swish. Within a breath all five had been loosed and each had pierced the butt of the previous one, the final shaft pushing the group completely through the target.

"Good bow."

*grins*

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Yes, well, Glorfindel may well be the master of understatement :-)

- Erulisse (one L)

[kayleelupin.livejournal.com]

Glorfi rocks! :D Bet the Commander won't be showing his face around our Balrog-Slayer anytime soon...

Kaylee

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much. I'm having so much fun with characters I've written about for years and years.

- Erulisse (one L)

[blslarner.livejournal.com]

Oh, but I LOVE this demonstration of real skill. Glad that the Commander realized he was tremendously outclassed with Glorfindel around!

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Although he had a momentary hesitation over the type of bow, he knew how to handle it when it was in his hands.

- Erulisse (one L)

[nialoke]

Looks like Glorfindel was maybe a tad annoyed at his skills being questioned in the council meeting, huh? He sure put on an impressive show!

[engarian.livejournal.com]

Although there are obvious memory gaps for our blond warrior, his skills survived his death intact, and maybe even improved while he was under Namo's care.

- Erulisse (one L)